Surgical stapling device including a buttress retention assembly

ABSTRACT

A buttress assembly for use with a surgical stapling device includes a buttress material and a loading assembly. The buttress material includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion defines proximal bores and a proximal slot. The distal portion defines distal bores and a distal slot. The loading assembly includes proximal and distal wings and proximal and distal cups. Each of the proximal wings includes a proximal peg configured to be received in a corresponding one of the proximal bores of the buttress material. Each of the distal wings includes a distal peg configured to be received in a corresponding one of the distal bores of the buttress material. When the proximal pegs are received in the proximal bores, the proximal cup is in registration with the proximal slot, and when the distal pegs are received in the distal bores, the distal cup is in registration with the distal slot.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to surgical stapling devices, and moreparticularly, to assemblies and methods for detachably securing orretaining a staple line buttress assembly to a surgical stapling device.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices are employed by surgeons to sequentially orsimultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e.g., staples ortwo-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segmentsof body tissue together. When stapling relatively thin or fragiletissues, it is important to effectively seal the staple line against airor fluid leakage. Additionally, it is often necessary to reinforce thestaple line against the tissue to inhibit tears in the tissue or pullingof the staples through the tissue. One method of inhibiting tears orpull through involves the placement of a biocompatible reinforcingmaterial or “buttress” material between the staples and the underlyingtissue. In this method, a layer of buttress assembly is placed againstthe tissue and the tissue is stapled in a conventional manner.

Accordingly, new systems and methods that enable easy and efficientattachment and removal of a buttress assembly to a surgical staplingdevice would be desirable.

SUMMARY

A surgical kit in accordance with the disclosure includes a surgicalstapling device, a buttress material, and a loading assembly. Thesurgical stapling device includes a tool assembly including first andsecond jaw members that are transitionable between open and closedconfigurations. The first jaw member supports a staple cartridge thatincludes a retention assembly and defines proximal and distal slots. Theretention assembly includes a proximal hook disposed within the proximalslot of the staple cartridge and a distal hook disposed within thedistal slot of the staple cartridge. The buttress material includes anelongate body having proximal and distal portions, proximal protrusionsextending laterally outwards from the proximal portion of the elongatebody, and distal protrusions extending laterally outwards from thedistal portion of the elongate body. The proximal protrusions definerespective proximal bores. The distal protrusions define respectivedistal bores. The buttress material define a proximal slot interposedbetween the proximal bores and a distal slot interposed between thedistal bores. The loading assembly includes proximal wings that arelaterally spaced apart, distal wings that are laterally spaced apart, aproximal cup configured to receive a portion of the proximal hook of thestaple cartridge and engage a first portion of the buttress material toposition the first portion of the buttress material in the proximal slotof the staple cartridge to be releasably secured to the proximal hook,and a distal cup configured to receive a portion of the distal hook ofthe staple cartridge and engage a second portion of the buttressmaterial to position the second portion of the buttress material in thedistal slot of the staple cartridge to be releasably secured to thedistal hook. Each of the proximal wings includes a proximal pegconfigured to be received through a corresponding one of the proximalbores of the buttress material. Each of the distal wings includes adistal peg configured to be received through a corresponding one of thedistal bores of the buttress material.

In an aspect, the loading assembly may further include a contact paddisposed about a portion of one of the proximal and distal pegs of theloading assembly.

In another aspect, the proximal portion of the loading assembly maydefine cutouts on lateral sides of the loading assembly.

In yet another aspect, the staple cartridge may include tabs received inthe respective cutouts of the loading assignment.

In yet another aspect, the distal portion of the loading assembly mayhave a guide and the staple cartridge may define a knife channel. Theguide may be configured to be received in the knife channel of thestaple cartridge.

In still yet another aspect, the proximal and distal pegs of the loadingassembly may be configured to support the buttress material by frictionor interference fit.

In still yet another aspect, the proximal or distal cups may have anon-circular cross-section.

In still yet another aspect, the proximal cup may be interposed betweenthe proximal pegs.

In an aspect, the proximal or distal hooks may be formed of an elasticmaterial to enable axial flexing of the proximal or distal hooks.

In another aspect, the buttress material may be formed of an elasticmaterial that is placed in tension when the buttress material is securedto the staple cartridge.

In yet another aspect, the proximal slot of the buttress material may bein registration with the proximal cup when the buttress material ismounted on the loading assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a buttress assemblyfor use with a surgical stapling device includes a buttress material anda loading assembly. The buttress material includes proximal and distalportions. The proximal portion defines proximal bores laterally spacedapart and a proximal slot interposed between the proximal bores. Thedistal portion defines distal bores laterally spaced apart and a distalslot interposed between the distal bores. The loading assembly includesproximal wings that are laterally spaced apart, distal wings that arelaterally spaced apart, a proximal cup interposed between the proximalpegs and configured to engage a first portion of the buttress material,and a distal cup interposed between the distal pegs and configured toengage a second portion of the buttress material. Each of the proximalwings includes a proximal peg configured to be received in acorresponding one of the proximal bores of the buttress material. Eachof the distal wings includes a distal peg configured to be received in acorresponding one of the distal bores of the buttress material. When theproximal pegs of the loading assembly are received in the proximal boresof the buttress material, the proximal cup is in registration with theproximal slot of the buttress material, and when the distal pegs of theloading assembly are received in the distal bores of the buttressmaterial, the distal cup is in registration with the distal slot of thebuttress material.

In an aspect, the loading assembly may have opposing cutouts on lateralsides of the loading assembly.

In another aspect, a proximal end of the buttress material may have anotch.

In yet another aspect, the distal portion of the loading assembly mayhave a guide extending along a length of the loading assembly.

In still yet another aspect, the guide of the loading assembly may bedistal of the distal pegs.

In still yet another aspect, the loading assembly may be symmetric abouta central longitudinal axis.

In still yet another aspect, the buttress material may be bioabsorbable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will becomemore apparent in view of the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals identify similar or identical elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device in accordancewith the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool assembly of FIG. 2 , illustratinga staple cartridge separated from a jaw member of the tool assembly;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a buttress assembly and the staplecartridge of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 6taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a loading assembly of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of FIG. 10 and abuttress material mounted on the loading assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the loading assembly and the staplecartridge of FIG. 11 , illustrating mounting of the buttress material onthe staple cartridge;

FIG. 13 is a partial side cross-sectional view taken along section line13-13 of FIG. 12 ; and

FIG. 14 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge,the buttress material, and the loading assembly, illustrating releasablemounting of the buttress material on the staple cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The surgical stapling device including a buttress retention assemblydisclosed herein is described in detail with reference to the drawings,in which like reference numerals designate identical or correspondingelements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term “distal”refers to the portion of the device that is being described which isfarther from a user in a conventional use of the surgical staplingdevice, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion of the devicethat is being described which is closer to a user in a conventional useof the surgical stapling device. In addition, the terms parallel andperpendicular are understood to include relative configurations that aresubstantially parallel and substantially perpendicular up to about + or−10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular. Further, to theextent consistent, any or all of the aspects detailed herein may be usedin conjunction with any or all of the other aspects detailed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is provided a surgical staplingdevice 200 for use in stapling tissue and applying a layer of buttressmaterial 310 between staples and underlying tissue. The layer ofbuttress material 310 is configured to reinforce and seal staple linesapplied to tissue by the surgical stapling device 200. The surgicalstapling device 200 generally includes a handle 202 and an elongatetubular member 204 extending distally from the handle 202. A reload 106is removably coupled to a distal end 105 of the elongate tubular member204. The reload 106 includes a shaft portion 109 and a tool assembly 107supported on the shaft portion 109. The tool assembly 107 includes firstjaw member 108 and a second jaw member 110 that is movable in relationto the first jaw member 108 between an open configuration forpositioning tissue between the first and second jaw members 108, 110 anda closed configuration for clamping tissue between the first and secondjaw members 108, 110 and subsequently stapling tissue. The first jawmember 108 supports an anvil 111 and the second jaw member 110releasably supports a staple cartridge 112. The buttress material 310 ismounted on the staple cartridge 112, as will be described. In order tosecure the staples provided by the staple cartridge 112 to tissue andthe buttress material 310, the anvil 111 is provided with longitudinallyarranged rows of staple clinching or forming pockets (not shown). It isenvisioned that the tool assembly 107 may be coupled to a mechanical ormotorized handle, and the staple cartridge 112 may be removable andreplaceable. It is also envisioned that the reload 106 may be part of arobotic surgical system.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , the surgical stapling device 200includes a stationary grip 222 and a rotation knob assembly 234. Buttons26 a, 26 b on the stationary grip 222 of the handle 202 allow foractuation of the tool assembly 107. When the button 26 a is pressed, thetool assembly 107 is transitioned from the open configuration to theclosed configuration and subsequently actuates the surgical staplingdevice 200 to apply lines of staples to tissue. When the button 26 b ispressed, a firing mechanism of the surgical stapling device 200 isretracted and the tool assembly 107 is transitioned from the closedconfiguration to the open configuration. In order to provide properorientation of the tool assembly 107 relative to tissue to be stapled,the surgical stapling device 200 is additionally provided with therotation knob assembly 234 mounted on the handle 202. Rotation of therotation knob assembly 234 about a longitudinal axis “A-A” of thesurgical stapling device 200 rotates the tool assembly 107 about thelongitudinal axis “A-A.” The surgical stapling device 200 is illustratedas an electrically powered stapling device including the electricallypowered handle 202 that may support one or more batteries (not shown).Examples of electrically powered surgical stapling devices can be foundin U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,055,943 and 9,023,014. In addition, reference may bemade to U.S. Pat. No. 9,717,498, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference, for a detailed discussion of theconstruction and operation of the surgical stapling device 200.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the buttress material 310 for use with the surgicalstapling device 200. The buttress material 310 is detachably secured tothe tool assembly 107 of the surgical stapling device 200 to be inregistration with the anvil 111 of the first jaw member 108 and thestaple cartridge 112 of the second jaw member 110. The buttress material310 is configured to reinforce and seal staple lines applied to tissueby the surgical stapling device 200. The buttress material 310 includesproximal and distal portions 310 a, 310 b that are detachably securableto the staple cartridge 112. In particular, the proximal portion 310 aincludes proximal protrusions 311 that are spaced part. The proximalprotrusions 311 extend laterally outwards from respective lateral sidesof an elongate body 330 of the buttress material 310. Each proximalprotrusion 311 defines a proximal bore 312 a. The proximal bores 312 areleasably receive respective proximal pegs 607 (FIG. 6 ) of a loadingassembly 600. The proximal portion 310 a further defines a proximal slot315 a that is configured to receive proximal hooks 510 (FIG. 6 ) and anotch 317 that is configured to receive a knife member (not shown) ofthe tool assembly 107. In an aspect, the proximal slot 315 a issubstantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis “A-A” (FIG. 1 ) of thesurgical stapling device 200, and the notch 317 is centrally defined tobe aligned with a knife channel 105 of the staple cartridge 112. Thedistal portion 310 b of the buttress material 310 includes distalprotrusions 315 that are laterally spaced part. Each distal protrusion315 extends laterally outwards from the corresponding lateral side ofthe elongate body 330 of the buttress material 310. Further, each distalprotrusion 315 defines a distal bore 312 b that is dimensioned toreleasably receive a corresponding distal peg 609 (FIG. 6 , only oneshown) of the loading assembly 600. In another aspect, the buttressmaterial 310 may be formed of an elastic material such that when theproximal and distal portions 310 a, 310 b of the buttress material 310are releasably secured to the retention assembly 550 (FIG. 6 ) of thestaple cartridge 112, the buttress material 310 is in tension to enhancesecurement with the staple cartridge 112.

The buttress material 310 is detachably securable to the tool assembly107. To this end, the staple cartridge 112 includes the retentionassembly 550 (FIG. 6 ) which is configured to releasably support thebuttress material 310 on the buttress mounting surface 119 of the staplecartridge 112. FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the retention assembly 550 includingproximal hooks 510 that are disposed in respective proximal slots 1205defined in a proximal portion 112 a of the staple cartridge 112 anddistal hooks 520 that are disposed in respective distal slots 1209defined in a distal portion 112 b of the staple cartridge 112. Thestaple cartridge 112 includes a plurality of tabs 530 that are disposedon lateral sides 1208 of the staple cartridge 112 to align the loadingassembly 600 supporting the buttress material 310 between the tabs 530.

FIG. 6 illustrates the proximal hooks 510 of the retention assembly 550that are laterally spaced apart and disposed within the respectiveproximal slots 1205 of the staple cartridge 112. In particular, eachproximal hook 510 defines proximal and distal gaps 515, 517 with innerwalls of the staple cartridge 112 that define the proximal slot 1205 asshown in FIG. 8 . The proximal slots 1205 receive a portion of thebuttress material 310 and/or the loading assembly 600, as will bedescribed. In an aspect, the proximal hooks 510 may be positioned flushwith or beneath the buttress mounting surface 119 of the staplecartridge 112. The proximal hooks 510 may be formed of an elasticmaterial to enable flexing of the proximal hooks 510, in, e.g., an axialdirection.

FIG. 6 further illustrates the distal hooks 520 that are laterallyspaced apart and are disposed within the respective distal slots 1209 ofthe staple cartridge 112. In particular, each distal hook 520 definesproximal and distal gaps 525, 527 (FIG. 9 ) with the inner walls thatdefine the distal slot 1209 to receive a portion of the buttressmaterial 310 and/or the loading assembly 600, as will be described. Inan aspect, the distal hooks 520 may be positioned flush with or beneatha buttress mounting surface 119 of the staple cartridge 112. The distalhooks 520 may be formed of an elastic material to enable flexing of thedistal hooks 520 in, e.g., an axial direction. In an aspect, theproximal and distal hooks 510, 520 may be monolithically formed ormolded on to the staple cartridge 112 as a single construct.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the loading assembly 600 that may be utilizedin conjunction with the buttress material 310 to facilitate mounting ofthe buttress material 310 on the staple cartridge 112 (FIG. 7 ). Inparticular, the loading assembly 600 includes an elongate body 602,proximal protrusions 610 in a proximal portion 600 a of the loadingassembly 600, and distal protrusions 620 in a distal portion 600 b ofthe loading assembly 600. The proximal and distal protrusions 610, 620extend laterally outwards from the elongate body 602. The proximalportion 600 a defines cutouts 612 in lateral sides 613 of the elongatebody 602. The cutouts 612 are configured to receive the tabs 530 (FIG. 8) of the staple cartridge 112 to facilitate alignment of the loadingassembly 600 with the staple cartridge 112. In an aspect, the cutouts612 are positioned distal of the proximal protrusions 610. The distalportion 600 b of the loading assembly 600 includes a guide 628 that isconfigured to be received in the knife channel 105 (FIG. 6 ) of thestaple cartridge 112 to further facilitate alignment of the loadingassembly 600 to the staple cartridge 112.

Each of the proximal protrusions 610 includes a proximal peg 607 that isconfigured to be received in the corresponding proximal bore 312 a ofthe buttress material 310, as shown in FIG. 11 . The proximal portion600 a of the loading assembly 600 further includes proximal cups 615that are configured to receive a portion of respective proximal hooks510 (FIG. 6 ) of the retention assembly 550 of the staple cartridge 112.For example, portions of each proximal cup 615 are received in theproximal and distal gaps 515, 517 (FIG. 8 ) defined between thecorresponding proximal hook 510 and the inner walls that define theproximal slot 1205. In an aspect, each proximal cup 615 may have asquare or rectangular shape. In another aspect, each proximal cup 516may have a circular shape. The proximal cups 615 are disposed interposedbetween the proximal protrusions 610.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , each distal protrusion 620 has the distalpeg 609 that is configured to be received in the corresponding distalbore 312 b of the buttress material 310. The distal portion 600 b of theloading assembly 600 further includes distal cups 617 that areconfigured to receive a portion of the respective distal hooks 520 (FIG.9 ) of the retention assembly 550 of the staple cartridge 112. Forexample, portions of each distal cup 617 are received in the proximaland distal gaps 525, 527 (FIG. 9 ) defined between the correspondingdistal hook 520 and the inner walls of the staple cartridge 112 thatdefine the corresponding distal slot 1209. In an aspect, each distal cup617 may have a square or rectangular shape. In another aspect, thedistal cups 617 may have a circular shape. The distal cups 617 areinterposed between the distal protrusions 620. FIG. 11 illustrates thebuttress material 310 releasably supported on the loading assembly 600.The proximal pegs 607 extend through the proximal bores 312 a of thebuttress material 310, and the distal pegs 609 extend through the distalbores 312 b of the buttress material 310 such that the proximal anddistal cups 615, 617 of the loading assembly 600 are in registrationwith the respective proximal and distal slots 315 a, 315 b of thebuttress material 310. The proximal and distal pegs 607, 609 of theloading assembly 600 may engage the buttress material 310 via frictionor interference fit. In an aspect, the loading assembly 600 furtherincludes contact pads 614 (FIG. 10 ) that are disposed about the distaland proximal pegs 607, 609. The contact pads 614 contact the buttressmaterial 310. The contact pads 614 may be formed of, e.g., gel orpolymeric material, to reduce stress around the proximal and distalbores 312 a, 312 b of the buttress material 310 when the loadingassembly 600 supporting the buttress material 310 is pressed against thestaple cartridge 112, as described below.

In use, the buttress material 310 is first mounted on the loadingassembly 600. The loading assembly 600 is placed on the staple cartridge112 such that the buttress material 310 faces the buttress mountingsurface 119 of the staple cartridge 112. The alignment of the loadingassembly 600 to the staple cartridge 112 is achieved through theplacement of the guide 628 in the knife channel 105 (FIG. 6 ) of thestaple cartridge 112 and the placement of the tabs 530 of the staplecartridge 112 in the cutouts 612 defined in the proximal portion 600 aof the loading assembly 600. At this time, the proximal and distal cups615, 617 of the loading assembly 600 are disposed on the buttressmaterial 310 that is disposed on the buttress mounting surface 119, asbest shown in FIG. 13 . As the loading assembly 600 is further pushedtowards the staple cartridge 112 in the direction of arrows “D” (FIG. 4), each proximal cup 615 is pushed into the corresponding proximal slot1205 of the staple cartridge 112 such that a portion of the buttressmaterial 310 is placed in the proximal gap 515 (FIG. 8 ) and releasablysecured to the staple cartridge 112 by the proximal hook 510. Inaddition, each distal cup 617 is pushed into the corresponding distalslot 1209 of the staple cartridge 112 such that a portion of thebuttress material 310 is placed in the distal gap 527 (FIG. 9 ) of thestaple cartridge 112 and releasably secured to the staple cartridge 112by the distal hook 520, as best shown in FIG. 14 . The staple cartridge112 having the buttress material 310 mounted thereon may now besupported on the second jaw 110 (FIG. 3 ) of the tool assembly 107 forstapling and severing of tissue.

It is further contemplated that the buttress material 310 may be madefrom any biocompatible natural or synthetic material. The material fromwhich the buttress material 310 is formed may be bioabsorbable ornon-bioabsorbable. It should be understood that any combination ofnatural, synthetic, bioabsorbable and non-bioabsorbable materials may beused to form the buttress material 310.

Some non-limiting examples of materials from which the buttress material310 may be made include but are not limited to poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly (hydroxybutyrate), poly (phosphazine), polyesters,polyethylene glycols, polyethylene oxides, polyacrylamides,polyhydroxyethylmethylacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohols, polyacrylic acid, polyacetate, polycaprolactone,polypropylene, aliphatic polyesters, glycerols, poly(amino acids),copoly (ether-esters), polyalkylene oxalates, polyamides, poly(iminocarbonates), polyalkylene oxalates, polyoxaesters,polyorthoesters, polyphosphazenes and copolymers, block copolymers,homopolymers, blends and combinations thereof.

In aspects, natural biological polymers are used in forming the buttressmaterial 310. Suitable natural biological polymers include, but are notlimited to, collagen, gelatin, fibrin, fibrinogen, elastin, keratin,albumin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,carboxyethyl cellulose, chitan, chitosan, and combinations thereof. Inaddition, the natural biological polymers may be combined with any ofthe other polymeric materials described herein to produce the buttressmaterial 310.

The buttress material 310 may be porous or non-porous, or combinationsof porous and non-porous layers. Where the buttress material 310 isnon-porous, the buttress material 310 may retard or inhibit tissueingrowth from surrounding tissues thereby acting as an adhesion barrierand inhibiting the formation of unwanted scar tissue. Thus, in aspects,the buttress material 310 possesses anti-adhesion properties. Techniquesfor forming non-porous layers from such materials are within the purviewof those skilled in the art and include, for example, casting, molding,and the like.

In aspects, the buttress material 310 is porous and possesses hemostaticproperties. Where the buttress material 310 is porous, it has openingsor pores over at least a portion of a surface thereof. Suitablematerials for forming the porous layer include, but are not limited tofoams (e.g., open or closed cell foams). In aspects, the pores may be insufficient number and size so as to interconnect across the entirethickness of the porous layer. In other aspects, the pores do notinterconnect across the entire thickness of the porous layer. In yetother aspects, the pores do not extend across the entire thickness ofthe porous layer, but rather are present at a portion of the surfacethereof. In aspects, the openings or pores are located on a portion ofthe surface of the porous layer, with other portions of the porous layerhaving a non-porous texture. Those skilled in the art reading thedisclosure will envision other pore distribution patterns andconfigurations for the porous layer.

Where the buttress material 310 is porous, the pores may be formed usingany method suitable to forming a foam or sponge including, but notlimited to the lyophilization or freeze-drying of a composition.Suitable techniques for making foams are within the purview of thoseskilled in the art. Porous buttress material 310 can be at least 0.2 cmthick, in aspects from about 0.3 to about 1.5 cm thick. Porous buttressmaterial 310 can have a density of not more than about 75 mg/cm² and, inaspects below about 20 mg/cm². The size of the pores in the porousbuttress material 310 can be from about 20 μm to about 300 μm, and incertain aspects from about 100 μm to about 200 μm.

The buttress material 310 may also include a reinforcement member. Thereinforcement member may be associated with a porous or non-porous layeror may be positioned between a non-porous layer and a porous layer ofthe buttress material 310. Alternatively, the reinforcement member maybe positioned entirely within one or more of the individual layers(e.g., embedded within the porous layer, the non-porous layer, or both)of the buttress material 310. It is also envisioned that thereinforcement member may be positioned at the surface of one of thelayers making up the buttress material 310 and, in aspects, may bepositioned at an exterior surface of the buttress material 310.

Some suitable non-limiting examples of reinforcement members includefabrics, meshes, monofilaments, multifilament braids, chopped fibers(sometimes referred to in the art as staple fibers) and combinationsthereof. Where the reinforcement member is a mesh, it may be preparedusing any technique known to those skilled in the art, such as knitting,weaving, tatting, knipling, or the like. Where monofilaments ormultifilament braids are used as the reinforcement member, themonofilaments or multifilament braids may be oriented in any desiredmanner. For example, the monofilaments or multifilament braids may berandomly positioned with respect to each other within the buttressmaterial 310. As another example, the monofilaments or multifilamentbraids may be oriented in a common direction within the buttressmaterial 310. Where chopped fibers are used as the reinforcement member,the chopped fibers may be oriented in any desired manner. For example,the chopped fibers may be randomly oriented or may be oriented in acommon direction. The chopped fibers can thus form a non-woven material,such as a mat or a felt. The chopped fibers may be joined together(e.g., by heat fusing) or they may be unattached to each other. Thechopped fibers may be of any suitable length. For example, the choppedfibers may be from 0.1 mm to 100 mm in length, and in some aspects, 0.4mm to 50 mm in length. In an aspect, the buttress material 310 hasrandomly oriented chopped fibers that have not been previously fusedtogether and are embedded within in the buttress material 310.

It is envisioned that the reinforcement member may be formed from anybioabsorbable, non-bioabsorbable, natural, or synthetic materialpreviously described herein and combinations thereof. Wheremonofilaments or multifilament braids are used as the reinforcementmember, any commercially available suture material may advantageously beemployed as the reinforcement member.

In aspects, at least one bioactive agent may be combined with thebuttress material 310 and/or any of the individual components (theporous layer, the non-porous layer and/or the reinforcement member) usedto construct the buttress material 310. In aspects, the buttressmaterial 310 can also serve as a vehicle for delivery of the bioactiveagent. The term “bioactive agent”, as used herein, is used in itsbroadest sense and includes any substance or mixture of substances thathave clinical use. Consequently, bioactive agents may or may not havepharmacological activity per se, e.g., a dye, or fragrance.Alternatively, a bioactive agent could be any agent which provides atherapeutic or prophylactic effect such as a compound that affects orparticipates in tissue growth, cell growth, or cell differentiation.

Examples of classes of bioactive agents which may be utilized inaccordance with the disclosure include anti-adhesives, antimicrobials,analgesics, antipyretics, anesthetics, antiepileptics, antihistamines,anti-inflammatories, cardiovascular drugs, diagnostic agents,sympathomimetics, cholinomimetics, antimuscarinics, antispasmodics,hormones, growth factors, muscle relaxants, adrenergic neuron blockers,antineoplastics, immunogenic agents, immunosuppressants,gastrointestinal drugs, diuretics, steroids, lipids,lipopolysaccharides, polysaccharides, and enzymes. It is also intendedthat combinations of bioactive agents may be used.

Anti-adhesive or anti-adhesion agents can be used to inhibit adhesionsfrom forming between the buttress material 310 and the surroundingtissues opposite the target tissue. Some examples of these agentsinclude, but are not limited to poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, polyethylene oxide, poly vinyl alcohols andcombinations thereof.

Suitable antimicrobial agents which may be included as a bioactive agentin the buttress material 310 of the disclosure include triclosan, alsoknown as 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether, chlorhexidine andits salts, including chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate,chlorhexidine hydrochloride, and chlorhexidine sulfate, silver and itssalts, including silver acetate, silver benzoate, silver carbonate,silver citrate, silver iodate, silver iodide, silver lactate, silverlaurate, silver nitrate, silver oxide, silver palmitate, silver protein,and silver sulfadiazine, polymyxin, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, suchas tobramycin and gentamicin, rifampicin, bacitracin, neomycin,chloramphenicol, miconazole, quinolones such as oxolinic acid,norfloxacin, nalidixic acid, pefloxacin, enoxacin and ciprofloxacin,penicillins such as oxacillin and pipracil, nonoxynol 9, fusidic acid,cephalosporins, and combinations thereof. In addition, antimicrobialproteins and peptides such as bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin B maybe included as a bioactive agent in the bioactive coating of thedisclosure.

Other bioactive agents which may be included as a bioactive agent in thebuttress material 310 in accordance with the disclosure include: localanesthetics; non-steroidal antifertility agents; parasympathomimeticagents; psychotherapeutic agents; tranquilizers; decongestants; sedativehypnotics; steroids; sulfonamides; sympathomimetic agents; vaccines;vitamins; antimalarials; anti-migraine agents; anti-parkinson agentssuch as L-dopa; anti-spasmodics; anticholinergic agents (e.g.oxybutynin); antitussives; bronchodilators; cardiovascular agents suchas coronary vasodilators and nitroglycerin; alkaloids; analgesics;narcotics such as codeine, dihydrocodeinone, meperidine, morphine andthe like; non-narcotics such as salicylates, aspirin, acetaminophen,d-propoxyphene and the like; opioid receptor antagonists, such asnaltrexone and naloxone; anti-cancer agents; anti-convulsants;anti-emetics; antihistamines; anti-inflammatory agents such as hormonalagents, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, prednisone, non-hormonal agents,allopurinol, indomethacin, phenylbutazone and the like; prostaglandinsand cytotoxic drugs; estrogens; antibacterials; antibiotics;anti-fungals; anti-viral s; anticoagulants; anticonvulsants;antidepressants; antihistamines; and immunological agents.

Other examples of suitable bioactive agents which may be included in thecoating composition include viruses and cells, peptides, polypeptidesand proteins, analogs, muteins, and active fragments thereof, such asimmunoglobulins, antibodies, cytokines (e.g. lymphokines, monokines,chemokines), blood clotting factors, hemopoietic factors, interleukins(IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6), interferons (β-IFN, (α-IFN and γ-IFN),erythropoietin, nucleases, tumor necrosis factor, colony stimulatingfactors (e.g., GCSF, GM-CSF, MCSF), insulin, anti-tumor agents and tumorsuppressors, blood proteins, gonadotropins (e.g., FSH, LH, CG, etc.),hormones and hormone analogs (e.g., growth hormone), vaccines (e.g.,tumoral, bacterial and viral antigens); somatostatin; antigens; bloodcoagulation factors; growth factors (e.g., nerve growth factor,insulin-like growth factor); protein inhibitors, protein antagonists,and protein agonists; nucleic acids, such as antisense molecules, DNAand RNA; oligonucleotides; polynucleotides; and ribozymes.

While the disclosure has been shown in the drawings, it is not intendedthat the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that thedisclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that thespecification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications. Thoseskilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scopeand spirit of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical kit comprising: a surgical staplingdevice including: a tool assembly including first and second jaw membersthat are transitionable between open and closed configurations, thefirst jaw member supporting a staple cartridge that includes a retentionassembly and defines proximal and distal slots, the retention assemblyincluding: a proximal hook disposed within the proximal slot of thestaple cartridge; and a distal hook disposed within the distal slot ofthe staple cartridge; a buttress material including an elongate bodyhaving proximal and distal portions, proximal protrusions extendinglaterally outwards from the proximal portion of the elongate body, anddistal protrusions extending laterally outwards from the distal portionof the elongate body, the proximal protrusions defining respectiveproximal bores, the distal protrusions defining respective distal bores,the buttress material defining a proximal slot interposed between theproximal bores and a distal slot interposed between the distal bores;and a loading assembly including: proximal wings that are laterallyspaced apart, each of the proximal wings including a proximal pegconfigured to be received through a corresponding one of the proximalbores of the buttress material; distal wings that are laterally spacedapart, each of the distal wings including a distal peg configured to bereceived through a corresponding one of the distal bores of the buttressmaterial; a proximal cup configured to receive a portion of the proximalhook of the staple cartridge and engage a first portion of the buttressmaterial to position the first portion of the buttress material in theproximal slot of the staple cartridge to be releasably secured to theproximal hook; and a distal cup configured to receive a portion of thedistal hook of the staple cartridge and engage a second portion of thebuttress material to position the second portion of the buttressmaterial in the distal slot of the staple cartridge to be releasablysecured to the distal hook.
 2. The surgical kit according to claim 1,wherein the loading assembly further includes a contact pad disposedabout a portion of one of the proximal and distal pegs of the loadingassembly.
 3. The surgical kit according to claim 1, wherein the proximalportion of the loading assembly defines cutouts on lateral sides of theloading assembly.
 4. The surgical kit according to claim 3, wherein thestaple cartridge includes tabs received in the respective cutouts of theloading assignment.
 5. The surgical kit according to claim 1, whereinthe distal portion of the loading assembly has a guide and the staplecartridge defines a knife channel, the guide configured to be receivedin the knife channel of the staple cartridge.
 6. The surgical kitaccording to claim 1, wherein the proximal and distal pegs of theloading assembly is configured to support the buttress material byfriction or interference fit.
 7. The surgical kit according to claim 1,wherein the proximal or distal cups have a non-circular cross-section.8. The surgical kit according to claim 1, wherein the proximal cup isinterposed between the proximal pegs.
 9. The surgical kit according toclaim 1, wherein the proximal or distal hooks are formed of an elasticmaterial to enable axial flexing of the proximal or distal hooks. 10.The surgical kit according to claim 1, wherein the buttress material isformed of an elastic material that is placed in tension when thebuttress material is secured to the staple cartridge.
 11. The surgicalkit according to claim 1, wherein the proximal slot of the buttressmaterial is in registration with the proximal cup when the buttressmaterial is mounted on the loading assembly.
 12. A buttress assembly foruse with a surgical stapling device comprising: a buttress materialincluding proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion definingproximal bores laterally spaced apart and a proximal slot interposedbetween the proximal bores, the distal portion defining distal boreslaterally spaced apart and a distal slot interposed between the distalbores; and a loading assembly including: proximal wings that arelaterally spaced apart, each of the proximal wings including a proximalpeg configured to be received in a corresponding one of the proximalbores of the buttress material; distal wings that are laterally spacedapart, each of the distal wings including a distal peg configured to bereceived in a corresponding one of the distal bores of the buttressmaterial; a proximal cup interposed between the proximal pegs andconfigured to engage a first portion of the buttress material; and adistal cup interposed between the distal pegs and configured to engage asecond portion of the buttress material, wherein when the proximal pegsof the loading assembly are received in the proximal bores of thebuttress material, the proximal cup is in registration with the proximalslot of the buttress material, and wherein when the distal pegs of theloading assembly are received in the distal bores of the buttressmaterial, the distal cup is in registration with the distal slot of thebuttress material.
 13. The buttress assembly according to claim 12,wherein the loading assembly has opposing cutouts on lateral sides ofthe loading assembly.
 14. The buttress assembly according to claim 12,wherein a proximal end of the buttress material has a notch.
 15. Thebuttress assembly according to claim 12, wherein the distal portion ofthe loading assembly has a guide extending along a length of the loadingassembly.
 16. The buttress assembly according to claim 15, wherein theguide of the loading assembly is distal of the distal pegs.
 17. Thebuttress assembly according to claim 12, wherein the loading assembly issymmetric about a central longitudinal axis.
 18. The buttress assemblyaccording to claim 12, wherein the buttress material is bioabsorbable.